As residents of Houston for nearly a year to the day, the heat was on to experience as much of the city as we could calorically manage. In the end, I visited just over 120 unique eateries -- chump change when you consider Houston boasts well over 8,000 restaurants, reflective of the city's enormously diverse (an estimated 90 languages are spoken within city limits) and ever-expanding population.
I've compiled a list of my top 50 best Houston restaurants, divided into several categories. It's the very best of where we ate, and what I subsequently obsessed over, crave and now dream about in the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes.'
In an extensive list of only exceptional eateries, * denotes the places we'll head back to as soon as the plane touches down, (preferably at Hobby).
INDULGENCES
If you're planning to pay for your sins, here's where to open your mouth & wallet.
Kata Robata (http://katarobata.com/) The sushi and 72-hour slow cooked Texas Kobe beef skewers are excellent (the Houston Texans football team have been known to clear out three days worth in one sitting), but we went back time & time again for steaming bowls of the Kata Ramen. "Ramen" may raise an eyebrow if you're not familiar with the unctuous Japanese soup, but this dish is the furthest meal possible from the $0.30 college dorm staple.
Le Mistral (http://lemistralhouston.com/home) If you're up to venturing outside the inner loop this weekend, Le Mistral is a worthy reason to do so. This French gem located between Houston and Katy boasts a authentic menu -- including some of the best escargot I've had -- and an attentive staff, French accents included.
*Oxheart (http://oxhearthouston.com) Nestled in an industrial neighborhood north of downtown, Chef Jason Yu's Oxheart is tough to find (literally -- their sign is hardly distinguishable), but worth the search. Reservations are even harder to come by (hint: send a detailed email request a month in advance). Reserve a spot at the chef's table to watch this team perform culinary acrobatics. Choose from one of three tasting menus nightly, and spring for the wine pairings.
Pass & Provisions (http://passandprovisions.com/) I hadn't been to a restaurant this cutting-edge since dining at Chef Grant Achatz's Aliena in Chicago several years ago. Sharing a kitchen, Provisions offers a more laid-back atmosphere with dishes for sharing, while the almost austere dining room of Pass is tasting menu only. Plan your evening accordingly -- nine-courses took us over four well-spent hours. Sure, it's tacky, but go ahead and snap a few pictures of the food... everyone else is.
RDG + Bar Annie (http://www.rdgbarannie.com/) Feeling fabulous? Put on that LBD & those Louboutins and head to RDG to rub shoulders with Houston's most beautiful while eating exceptionally well. The seafood is great, and I especially loved the playful "Asian nachos" -- yellowtail sashimi on jicama with avocado and ginger cream.
REEF (http://www.reefhouston.com/) For some of the best seafood in the country, stop by Chef Bryan Caswell's REEF. Fans include Chef Chris Shepherd, the James Beard award committee, and yours truly. For a quick and more affordable nosh, stop by for the happy hour and indulge at the raw bar or throw back a few sliders, rated best in the country.
Underbelly (http://underbellyhouston.com/) Chef Chris Shepherd has become a bonafide foodie rock star in Houston over the past several years, and deservedly so. His commitment to the local, farm-to-table method of eating has won fans of farmers and foodies alike, but his true passion -- and source of inspiration -- is Houston and the abounding diversity of its food scene. From the popular Korean braised goat & dumplings to the seared duck breast with dirty rice & figs, Underbelly is truly a must for anyone hoping to glimpse the future of American cookery.
SERIOUSLY GOOD EATS
These places are fun, satisfying and consistently great.
BRC Gastro Pub (http://www.brcgastropub.com/) I felt seriously naughty every time we ate here, but when in Texas... Start with the cheddar biscuits with bacon jam -- that's right, BACON jam -- and smoked salt butter, and follow up with any one of their burgers (only $8 on Monday). Being wrong never tasted so right.
Crawfish & Noodles (http://www.crawfishandnoodle.com/) Crawfish season is a BIG deal down South, and although 'Nawlins style can hardly be beat, it was fun to try the mudbugs with a spicy Asian twist. To get em' fresh, be sure to visit in-season (mid-spring).
Dolce Vita (http://www.dolcevitahouston.com/) Although I was consistently underwhelmed by their non-pizza offerings, the pies here are excellent. It's packed on the weekends, so grab a bottle of wine and pizza on a Wednesday as a mid-week pick-me-up. Favorites: salsiccia e friarielli, prosciutto e rucola, and robiola.
*El Real Tex-Mex (http://elrealtexmex.com/) Housed in a former movie theater, the fajitas are the BEST I had while in Texas... and the frothy garlic butter that arrived alongside didn't hurt. I'm also a big fan of the authentic (read: lard) house-made flour tortillas and frozen margaritas.
Goode Co. BBQ (http://www.goodecompany.com/bbq/) Our epic search for the ultimate Texas barbecue ended quietly when we didn't make it to Lockhart, TX this past year, but Goode Co. BBQ on Kirby was a decent stand in. I can confidently recommend the duck. Leftovers? Toss the meat on a pizza (pick the dough up at Central Market if you don't have time to make it fresh), BBQ sauce, crumbled goat cheese, caramelized onions, and scallions to finish.
Hubcap Grill (http://hubcapgrill.com/) Lauded as one of Houston's best burgers, the drive up north was worth it. Sure, the peanut butter schmear is a fun concept, but stick with one of the originals to fully appreciate what this dive does best.
Max's Wine Dive (http://www.maxswinedive.com/houston-washington-ave/) Speaking of dives, this isn't what you're thinking. Max's taught me to love champagne + fried chicken, malbec + bison sliders, and appreciate that an unoaked chardonnay does cut the richness in a gruyere mac n' cheese nicely. It's feels upscale without being pretentious, and hits a home-run on great wine + comfort food every time.
Piola (http://www.piola.it/) An international chain hailing from Italy, Piola offers a colorful, casual atmosphere and consistently great pizza, although too many options. The wine is priced well, and the pasta was just as good as the pizza when we gave it a go. A solid weeknight option if there ever was one.
Pho Bihn (http://www.phobinh.com/) We're constantly seeking out that next great bowl of pho, and we happily found Houston's best at Pho Bihn. There are a number of locations across the city, so pick whichever's closest and tuck into a bowl of brothy comfort.
*Pondicheri (http://www.pondichericafe.com/web/pondicheri/) We literally couldn't get enough of this place. Owned by Chef Anita Jaisinghani, Pondicheri opens daily for breakfast (stop by the juice bar and bakery) and stays open through the day and late into the evening. Start with the Pav Bhaji and try one of the Thalis. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Ry's Friday night (only) favorite, the ghost chili ribs followed by the chocolate pistachio cake.
Rudy's (http://www.rudysbbq.com/page/home) Fill up before filling up. Who knew barbecue out of the side of a gas station could be so good? Texans, as it turns out. The creamed corn was indulgently good, slaw well done, barbecue chicken spot on, and pork ribs delectable.
*Torchy's Tacos (http://www.torchystacos.com/) Torchy's was the first and last place we ate at while in Houston, and for good reason. Their battle cry, "Damn good," is actually more of a warning to taco addicts everywhere. Fresh ingredients with BIG flavor, edgy and irreverent, it's no wonder what started in a trailer in Austin is expanding at a near exponential rate across Texas.
TQLA (http://tqla.com/locations/houston) Admittedly not the most authentic Tex-Mex place in town, TQLA boasts a review by USA Today naming them one of the best tequila bars in America. Deservedly so, given the enormous selection and chilled tequila ON TAP. Try one of the tequila flights with guacamole & enchiladas.
GLOBE TROTTERS
To make it into this exclusive category, I had to be transported to another place entirely. I could not more strongly recommend these restaurants, even beyond our favorite indulgences.
*Asia Market (http://asiamarkethouston.com/) I anticipate publishing a future post entitled, "A love letter to Asia Market." An Asian convenience store/restaurant in north Houston that features no more than 10 tables, metal bars on the windows, lotto tickets for sale at the counter, and a small card table with "get it yourself" plastic cutlery and chopsticks, styrofoam bowls, and a pitcher of water. I knew I’d struck gold when I had to wait for a table at two in the afternoon on a Tuesday. I will never stop trying to replicate the unearthly complexity of the Kang Keaw Wan (Green Curry – E5), but have a hunch the answer is well protected by the swarm of Thai women working tirelessly in the back.
Blue Nile (http://www.bluenilerestaurant.com/) Not only is this some of the best Ethiopian we've had (go for the Vegetarian Combination or Mesob Special), Blue Nile takes post-dinner drinks to a new level with a coffee ceremony. They'll first present your table with burning incense and a large bowl of popcorn (I'm still confused by this), and then go to freshly roast the coffee beans in the kitchen. The beans are brought out, piping hot, for you to appreciate before they're ground and brewed.
E'Toile (http://etoilecuisine.com/) Was it the wine, bisque and duck, or doting French waiter that made me forget for a fleeting moment I wasn't in Paris? In the end, it doesn't matter. I'd go back for another romantique repas ce soir, si j'ai eu l'occasion.
HK Dim Sum (http://hkdimsumcity.com/) It's worth taking an afternoon to explore Houston's Chinatown, and when you do, start with dim sum. Follow the meal with bubble tea and shaved ice at Nu Cafe (http://nucafehouston.com/) a few doors down. Happy belly, happy taste buds.
Kanomwan (http://www.zagat.com/r/kanomwan-houston) Lauded as one of the best Thai places in the Houston, it was the Tom Yum Pla (spicy sour fish soup) that really wowed. The broth was clear and fragrant, seasoned with fresh lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, and heavy on the red snapper. Don't miss it.
The Queen Vic (http://www.thequeenvicpub.com/) We visited The Queen Vic for brews & curry following a screening of the most recent 007 flick. Perfect, right? I'll be the first to admit it's over-priced for what you're getting ($3 for a few tablespoons of raita... Reaaaally?), but you'll feel like you're tucked away in a London pub that only the locals know about.
Ragin' Cajun (http://www.ragin-cajun.com/restaurant/) A New Orleans ex-pat told me that Ragin' Cajun had the most authentic crawdaddy's outside of the Louisiana, so I obviously visited the following day. Those mudbugs are a lot of work, but worth the effort. Wear something you don't mind getting messy.
LET'S DO LUNCH
Houston's top brunch & lunch spots. Just because it's not dinnertime doesn't mean you can't eat really, really well.
*Bon Baguette (http://www.bonbaguette.com/) I'm uncomfortably close to addicted to this dive's jasmine + lechee bubble tea and (ridiculously cheap) BBQ pork banh mi, a steal for less than $4. A near weekly lunch spot for me & the gent.
The Breakfast Klub (http://thebreakfastklub.com/) Much like BRC, The Breakfast Klub is the embodiment of southern-style cooking. Likely the only meal you'll need all day, go for what they're best known for: katfish & grits or the wings & waffles, plus a bottomless mug of coffee. Be prepared to wait in line to order, especially on the weekends when it snakes around the block.
*Eatsie Boys (http://eatsieboys.com/) Food truck turned brick & mortar, go for what we fondly came to call pepper roulette (blistered shishito peppers served with white miso + meyer lemon vinaigrette dipping sauce), and follow them up with any one of their exceptional (food truck approved) sandwiches. Feeling bi-cultural? Order up a mug of Matzoh Ball Pho and do a mitzvah for your taste buds.
The Golden Grill (https://www.facebook.com/TheGoldenGrill) This grilled cheese paradise on wheels deserved to be sought out. If you're extraordinarily lucky, you'll find it parked outside of Karbach on a Saturday afternoon.
*Kenny & Ziggy's NY Deli (http://www.kennyandziggys.com/) Never did I think I'd cross a Jewish deli outside of NYC that would give Indianapolis's Shapiro's Deli a run for it's money... but then came Kenny & Ziggy's. The matzoh ball and kreplach (think Jewish raviolis) soups are exceptional, and the "Swiss & Shout" turkey pastrami topped with coleslaw & Russian dressing (closed, of course) became my standing order. Get a potato pancake to share for dessert.
Local Foods (http://www.houstonlocalfoods.com/) I'm a fan of Local Foods' high-quality, well-made salads and sandwiches. Big flavors, seriously fresh. Enjoy a post-meal walk through the Rice Village for some shopping or a trip to one of the many fro-yo establishments.
*Revival Market (http://revivalmarket.com/) Revival Market is a locavore's paradise -- there's even a map on the wall that shows exactly what part of Texas your bacon or tomatoes or pork came from. The market is tiny and darling -- high quality Epicurean salts and spices, local cookbooks for sale, a small but elegant produce section, a butchers case, and a freezer with anything from duck stock to "bake your own" chocolate molten cakes. Perhaps the best part of visiting is ordering a BLT and fresh brewed coffee or iced tea from the coffee bar to enjoy on the patio. Seating is at a premium so prepare to wait.
Ruggles Green (http://www.rugglesgreen.com/) The greenest restaurant in Texas, Ruggles Green is an impressively eco and waistline friendly establishment built on the premise of delicious food that's not bad for environment or your arteries. The salads were always spot on, fish tacos flavorful, but if you're feeling like some comfort food, order the wood-fired quinoa mac-n-cheese.
THE BAR SCENE
Admittedly not a 'bar scene' gal, these are not-to-miss establishments with exceptional quality libations.
13 Celsius (http://13celsius.com/) If wine is up your alley, you'll be at home at 13 Celsius. It felt like one of Houston's best kept secret whenever we were in there -- intimate, an attentive and knowledgeable staff, and a seriously impressive wine list.
*Anvil Bar & Refuge (http://anvilhouston.com/) The bartenders here ("Don't call us mixologists") are serious about what they do, and we loved them for it. It's a meat market on the weekends -- do forgive my honesty -- but truly Houston's best craft cocktails any day of the week.
*Karbach Brewery (http://www.karbachbrewing.com/home) Please reference my earlier post, "Karbach Brewing Co. & Stick-It Food Truck," for additional details about the best beer to come out of Houston to date.
*Hay Merchant (http://www.haymerchant.com/) Are you really, really into beer? You'll go gaga for the sheer number of taps on the wall (all found objects from around Houston, by the way). Houstonians aren't the only ones who know Hay Merchant's where it's at. I spotted Chef Rick Bayless this spring (of Chicago's Fontera & Topolobampo fame). Swoon.
Mongoose versus Cobra (http://mongooseversuscobra.com/) In addition to being an all-around great bar (stylish, low-key), I'll be forever grateful to Mongoose versus Cobra for introducing me to Boulevard's Rye on Rye, a new staple in the fridge.
*Valhalla (http://valhalla.rice.edu/) Among countless other reasons Rice is awesome, subsidized beer at the graduate student pub certainly bubbles up to the top.
ODDS & ENDS
A hipster coffee shop, Houston's most beautiful grocery store and a few dessert places to round out the top 50.
A hipster coffee shop, Houston's most beautiful grocery store and a few dessert places to round out the top 50.
Blacksmith (https://www.facebook.com/blacksmithhouston) We literally snuck this one in on our way out of town. Better late than never. The exposed brick and certain air of seriousness about the coffee they serve seemed the perfect remedy for the hungover hipster crowd. The warm croissant served with jam and clotted cream was a solid start to the first day of our journey north.
The Chocolate Bar (http://www.theoriginalchocolatebar.com/) Featuring chocolate ice creams only, foot-high chocolate cakes, and throwback style chocolates and candies, this is a 'not to miss,' I think especially for the children in your life.
*Crave Cupcakes (https://www.cravecupcakes.com/) I discovered this cupcakery on Kirby dangerously early in our time in Houston. How dangerous? Say goodbye to your self control as that wicked red velvet taunts you, menacingly daring you to only have a bite of its sugary perfection. Show it who's boss -- that jerky cupcake totally deserved to be eaten. In three bites.
Jamba Juice (http://www.jambajuice.com/): A guest addition by the hubby. I'm not a "smoothie person," but my heart quickens at the prospect of a Jamba Juice fix and the promise of that velvety texture that no other smoothie joint seems able to replicate. There are plenty of winners on the menu, but the Orange-A-Peel hits all my strawberry-banana-OJ loving buttons. Order it light, and throw in a boost -- Fiber or Immunity?? -- to make your smoothie (seem?) that much healthier.
*Macaron by Pastisee (https://www.facebook.com/MacaronByPatisse): These are truly edible works of art, and the woman behind them, Sukaina Rajani, an artist. The flavors featured at this macaron boutique rotate regularly, but a few of my favorites include fig & goat cheese, rose, fleur de sel, lemon mascarpone, and apricot. Somehow, these little dreams elevate your very existence with each nibble.
I'm going to use this last as I continue to explore the city! How did I just find it now?! :)
ReplyDeleteYAY!! You just made my day, Dan. This post was a labor (ok, that's a stretch) of love for the last five months we spent in H-Town! You'll have to keep me updated if you discover any new favorites!
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